I know.....

I haven't blogged in 5 days! Well the truth is that I've been concentrating on my week in the life project AND concentrating on soaking up all the goodness the lake plus family and tons of little cousin togetherness brings (and don't forget Mom's Amazing whoopie pies!). I'll be back soon, with all my photos (all 1,684 of them taken last week),stories and joy. I've missed you:)

31 July

Today......

in the early morning hours, Trevor caught his very first fish ever (right in front of the dock after paddling all the way down the lake.) and I'm sure it's something that him and his grampa will never forget......

In his own words:

Today was very exciting. I caught my first fish. He was pretty big. He was a bass. I named him Fred. But me and Gampie went all the way across the lake and back and I caught the fish at the grassy part right near Gammie and Gampie's house. At first I thought I caught the bottom or a giant piece of seaweed, but since it kept tugging, I knew it was a fish. For bait I used the new bait Dad bought me. The new bait was fake worms. The fish was a little hard to pull in. It was fun. I let the fish go after I caught it.

30 July

Celebrating.......

Turning one and turning nine

Being together

Smashing cake on Jeff and Ryan

baby toys

slip and sliding

water-balloon fights (and Target practice on Jeff and Kevin)

water gunfights

shimmering sun off the water in the late afternoon

sticky hands

Lucas and Sam's "collections"

jumping off the dock 50,000 times naming a food

sunsets

amazing food

campfires

falling into bed in our cozy camper:)

Grateful for:

Cousins

Brothers

Sisters

grandparents

campfires

playlists

cornhole jokes

the end of a tantrum (and parenting advice)

the slip-n-slide

Mom and Dad....... for loving us all no matter what, for sharing this AWESOME house, lake and camper with us, and working so hard to make sure we had an awesome day.

that we have something to celebrate.

29 July

Being almost nine+fishing=love

28 July

Cousins.......We're all here and we can't wait to party on with family for 4 days at the lake, fishing , swimming and sleeping in a camper! We managed to line up the kids the same as last year....look h at how much everyone has grown!

27 July

a summer night with friends, great food, kids, swimming, and fun.

26 July

So happy you are all here and around our table and in our kitchen (and playroom and backyard and dining room and driveway and bathtub, )...Best.day.ever.

25 July

Trevor was so cute as he helped all the kids make their own cards (on his own) and he carefully crafted his own pop-up card complete with gift (socket set) and a chocolate, chocolate birthday cake. What more could any daddy want. Happy Birthday daddy, We Love you!

Our new....

dining room, or should I say, kids homework/reading and craft room. Our old dining room went to live at Gammie's lake house and we got a new table (LOVE craigslist). Now we are just looking for the perfect reading chair for the corner (and maybe a couple of daddy made built ins in the future) to complete the room. I love decorating:)

24 July

You. look sooo cute when you are sleeping and mommy loves you more than life. BUT, little boy, you test me and my patience from the second you get up until the second you fall asleep. By this time I'm fried and you think it would get easier the third time around, it doesn't. I don't know what to do but bang my head against the wall. Most of the time, I find the joy, but hey, this is about REAL life, and REAL life (with you screaming your head off in the grocery store) is not always joyous.

23 July

Our traditional once a year lobster shack seafood dinner. This place is amazing, we could have sat here all day on the rocks and watched the waves crash in. There is nothing like the coast of Maine in the summertime (Plus it is twenty degrees cooler than anywhere else 75 vs 95.).

22 July

The story of today.......the heat!

It's never broken 100 degrees here in my life!

21 July

Friends+doing girly stuff+a day at the waterpark+pizza for dinner+summer+my first ever sleepover=heaven (for mama and daughter:))

20 July

a a brief after dinner trip to the shore. I LOVE everything about this place, the sunlight at this time of day is so beautiful (not to mention the sight of three smiling little ones playing in and around the water. Summer=Love.

19 July

summer every day work.

J- computer, e-mail, conference calls

me-laundry, cleaning out (another box to goodwill!), organizing and making plans for some redecorating.

kids-fighting, typing, playing legos, fighting, eating, reading, playing legos, playing outside, fighting etc, etc.....

Truly, our adventures at home rival any of those that take place elsewhere (and are needed!).

18 July

The Typewriter.

Well, a long time ago, inspired by Amanda, I had an idea that Trevor just might like a typewriter of his own. I mean, what could be wrong with a kid asking to write? He has been begging for one ever since he saw her post. The other day, we stopped by Goodwill to see if there was one in working order. Well, we found this one, complete with receipt, a ribbon that worked a little bit, and manual from 1982. We were also lucky enough to find a new ribbon for it on Ebay (since they don't make these things anymore). So for the price of $4, we packed it up , took it home, set it up on his desk and plugged it in. They have been typing away ever since...... stories, lists, little notes to each other and even a secret code. Really, the best $4 I ever spent:)

17 July

Just watching the storms roll in.

16 July

This weekend, we headed down to Connecticut to visit some college friends. It's hard to believe it's been almost 14 years since we have lived here. It was a scorching hot weekend and we headed up to Lake Compounce Amusement and water park for the day on Saturday (along with the rest of the state). The kids all got a long so well. and it was a dream to watch the level of patience Trevor had with all the younger kids. Our friends have a beautiful home and no one was EVER hungry with the spread they so effortlessly put together every night. We were so glad to be able to add some Maine lobster to the mix that we had brought down with us. It was so fun hanging out outside every night talking and laughing until the wee hours on the deck to the light of the Tiki torches. Great, great memories.

15 July

And More swimming......Love this.

14 July

Summer means.......

lots and lots of swimming. When I was a kid we went to the lake EVERYDAY. I remember packing a cooler in the morning with plenty of drinks, a loaf of bread, peanut butter and snacks. We took swimming lessons and swam out to the dock. We hung out with all our friends until dinner time and sometimes we even stayed until after dinner time when the dads would come down and take us all waterskiing. Those are the best memories, what a lucky kid I was. Now, we spend our time between friends pools, the camp, the waterpark and the ocean. The kids are carefree, swimmimg and playing until after dark (and they are exhausted). After all, we have a whole winter to rest:) Happy memories.

13 July

off on a little adventure.......

Just one of those things I've always wanted to do with the kids (15 mins from home) but haven't as of yet....until today! Taking a trip downtown with just my oldest boy (both of us with cameras in hand). We picked up some yummy goodness at the farmer's market in the form of carrots, blueberries and raspberries. Some heavenly chocolate mousse cake at Foley's bakery (and a giant chocolate chip cookie for the boy, who saved just a tiny little piece for his younger brother). Some peppermint homemade soap, a chai latte, and a couple of used chapter books from Longfellow books. Browsing the little art store. It was just as I pictured the downtown farmer's market to be, swarming with the type of people who like to buy food here, artists, musicians strumming guitars with open cases next to their feet, and people collecting petition signatures. And this boy, who I held in my arms just moments ago, is now so grown up. Grown up to enjoy a special outing with Mom filled with great conversation about edible flowers, city people, the location of historical buildings that we want to visit, and tools used to make clay sculptures. Next time, I think I'll get some flowers, and we will definitely go back for the mousse cake. Happiness.

12 July

Just cooling down at our favorite waterpark.....

11 July

Finally (I love her title).

We were supposed to do this last fall, but needed to reschedule about 10 times (mostly b/c of weather AND sickness) . We had our family photos session tonight, it was a DREAM! No, the kids were't perfectly behaved, but were pretty patient (after a little bribing AND tickling) through the process. I mean MAN, the getting ready, the haircuts, baths, blowdrying, outfits and crying...... I thought we would never make it! BUT, The LOCATION (which I never new existed a mere 23 mins from home), the weather and the light were beautiful. Jenny was amazing and GREAT with the kids (and I think Bre wanted to go home with her). I just can't believe that everything finally came together and that is MY child in such a beautiful photograph. GO here for a sneak peek:) Can't wait to see the rest.

10 July

the story of us (photo circa 1995).

He does the bills, takes out the trash and mows the lawn, I make the beds and take care of the kids "schedules". He is a fabulous cook and he loves his DD coffee.....and running. We do little things for each other and we do little things that annoy each other. It's funny on how we never have to sit down and talk about the "little things". They just are what they are and we never make them into big things. The big things to us are the same......family, love, being kind.

12 years ago, we walked down the isle. We had the wedding of our dreams right by the sea. We both wanted a purple bathroom and copper knobs on the drawers in our first house. It's funny how dreams evolve and change. I'm sure in another twelve our dreams won't be so knee deep into child rearing, and housekeeping, maybe they will be travelling the world. But above all, we're best friends, and we just work, mostly because we are each others biggest fan. So here is to many more years together, and I'm sure the best is yet to come. Happy Anniversary to us:)

9 July

We spent a night in Boston Saturday (thanks to some AWESOME babysitters!) for our anniversary, eating great food and walking along the waterfront, Quincy market and the North End. It was a dream. The WEATHER was perfect and so was the company:)

8 July

There's just something about teaching them an appreciation of all food real. Food that is still warm from the sunshine that their little hands just picked hours before, and using those same hands to make it into something even more deliciously homemade. Life is good.

7 July

And tonight with the setting sun, we decided last minute to go out and pick us several armfuls of red, sweet and juicy fruit. EVERYONE helped and they were all excited about finding the "perfect" berry. Summer, you are so sweet and you taste so good!

6 July

Just a little Art Project you made during OT---What a cute lion:)

5 July

Today......

I had a 12 hour work day

This girl had her first day of summer school (and at least if you have to go to summer school, a cool bus picks you up right at your driveway).

Trevor rode his bike for 7 miles.

We had a visit with the specialist and found out our girl needs surgery to have her tonsils and adenoids removed and possibly ear tubes....August 4th (bummer! Really puts a damper on the summer!)

Had good talks with Mom.

4 July

Last night. We headed out to the Seadogs game with Fireworks show after. The weather was iffy all day, but the rain held off, the kids were great (it was a late night), the food was great, and it was a great time. Lucas and Bre saw their first fireworks show and they loved it. We skipped bringing the camera due to weather, but here they all are ready to go with their flags and Seadogs hats. Happy 4th!

3 July

WHAT ONE LOVES IN CHILDHOOD STAYS IN THE HEART FOREVER....MARYJO PUTNEY

There is just something about a visit to this place. This place where in the warm summer afternoon the sun's shimmer off the water is so strong it is blinding. This place where in the late afternoon we can curl up with a family member with a good book or a card game. This place where that same afternoon sun shines brightly into the kitchen where we prepare the BBQ for the night's family feast to fill our bellies, hungry from swimming and playing that last game of cornhole. This place where watching the sun dip lower in the sky never gets old (the best things in life really are free!). This place where the afternoon turns to evening and the fire glows and the card games are brought out where best conversations are made (long after the young one's are asleep). This place where a morning boat ride before big waffle breakfast is the best part of a little one's day. This place where our family gathers, some few or all.....young and old, differences are always put aside and we just are.....together, ever conscious of each passing moment and what a blessing it is. This place where the best childhood memories are made, after all, these memories of time spent with family are the best gift that I can give them.

2 July

the holiday weekend. We're getting ready to head up to the lake for some swimming, rest and relaxation. The boys were so excited I heard them rummaging up in the attic this morning for their suitcases. By the time we were all up, they were already packed! Good times.

1 July

Last day of Farm camp.......

the younger group got to visit with the baby turkeys....they were so excited (Breanna would have stayed and played with them all day)! The older group made their own farm stand selling vegetables, strawberries and herbs. Trevor wishes he could go back next week because the baby chicks are arriving. They ALL want to go back next year (and next year we are doing the CSA for sure), what a great week!